our holly jolly christmas

We had such a great Christmas this year, and loved being able to spend time with both sides of the family. We were able to do our "express Christmas" (Modern Family anyone?) with my family a few days before Christmas, and then head up to Rexburg and spend 5 days with the Ericksons. There's nothing like spending the holidays with family - and we really had the best of both worlds.

I love reflecting on our Savior's birth each year. The combination of Christmas and New Year's really helps me see the great blessings and growth our family has experienced. Adding that to the gratitude I feel for the life of Jesus Christ, leaves my heart so full of joy and peace.

Here's a glimpse of the great times we had with the Whittakers this year.

                                          Showing off the "sisters are best friends" necklaces we all gave each other.

                                                                               Here's a close-up

Loved his little car from Gamby so much we had to pack it up to Idaho!

And here's some fun shots of Christmas with the Ericksons

                                                                                                 Santa Baby
  

The hilarious Christmas Eve Pajamas Jared's mom Sherri made for the kids.
She used a vintage pattern her kids made with their grandma.

I was a little dissappointed by Emmett's reaction to his presents this year. There are a few he loved (the ones pictured) but I've actually taken a couple back already that he's shown no interest in whatsoever. His cousin Julia got a doll stroller and once he saw that - he locked on and it was all over.

Yes, Sherri is holding up a 6 pack of beer in that third picture. Jared's Dad is huge into doing meat (smoking, grilling, frying, you name it), and turns out the next gift was some kind of frying kit. We sure got a good laugh over the first part of the gift though!

Thank you to all the family who made our holiday perfect! Only 359 days til next Christmas!! Let the countdown begin :-)